Today I'm so excited to share the theme of this year's IWSG anthology. It's an incredible opportunity for writers.

The Annual IWSG Anthology Contest

Word count: 3500-6000

Genre: Mystery/Crime/Thriller

Theme: Tick Tock. The
story revolves around a clock, is time sensitive, or has something about
a specific time. This theme has plenty of scope and we’re open to
pretty much anything along these lines. No erotica, R-rated language, or
graphic violence.

Story deadline: November 1st, 2017.

How to enter: Send your polished, formatted, previously
unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the
deadline passes. Please include your contact details, your social links,
and if you are part of the Blogging or Facebook IWSG group.

Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by
Freedom Fox Press next year in the IWSG anthology. Authors will receive
royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have
the honor of giving the anthology its title.

We’re excited to see the creativity and enthusiasm that’s such a part of
this group put into action. So don your creative caps and start
writing. And spread the word!

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This month's IWSG question: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? For example, by trying a new genre you didn't think you'd be comfortable in?

I surprise myself all the time! It's one of the things I love about being a writer. First off, I'm a pantser. I let my stories flow organically, and it amazes what tales I weave. I just mentioned in a recent post that I didn't know how my Totem series was going to end, but when I got there and it happened, I was astounded. It was my best ending ever.

I also write short stories and flash fiction. This gives me a chance to try different styles and genres. I surprised myself once writing a western story, and it got picked up by a publisher. I'm uncomfortable writing non-fiction articles, but I stretch out and dare myself to share what I've learned. A few times, I read it later on and went: "This is good. I wrote that?!"

* * * * *

Don't forget, next month is...

Show Us Your Writer Insecurity!

On Wednesday, October 4 (IWSG Day), post a photo of yourself (or your
alter ego) with any of the IWSG swag or with the IWSG logo. Then leave a
comment that day at either the IWSG website’s post or the IWSG Facebook
post directing us to your photo. (All blog, Facebook, Goodreads, and
newsletter members welcome, but photo must be posted on a blog or
Facebook to qualify.) There are prizes!

IWSG Newsletter reminder: Please send me your news. We want to help shout-out and celebrate with you. Email me ( christinerains [dot] writer @ gmail [dot] com ) with a line or two and a link. Make sure to put "IWSG newsletter news" in the subject header so it doesn't get lost on me.

77 comments:

I agree! Writing short stories and flash fictions helps get the creative juices flowing. I recently started writing flash fiction and it really helps generate a list of potential stories to expound on. All of these opportunities look and sound so exciting! :)

Flash fiction does really bring out the surprises, doesn't it? I have written from so many different character viewpoints that way and as a fellow panster - I think it's super surprising where things can go with a little writing. :)

Being surprised is the best! I love surprise characters, too. Those people who show up unannounced, but they're awesome, and those people I thought would have minor roles, but they end up being a major players. So fun. ^_^

You wrote a western? Good for you! That is so far out of my wheelhouse. You made the decision for me. I'm going to let go of my fear of writing shorter fiction, and start brainstorming story ideas for the anthology. We can do this!

Wow! Great contest....wish I had time to dabble but this month i have to finish edits & publish my 3rd mystery in a trilogy and next month I have to write, edit, publish a Kindle World novella by the end of the month. LOL!

I'm a mix of a plotter and pantster. I like to have a general outline and/or working table of contents to have an idea of where things are going, and on what timetable, but along the way, many subplots, new characters, and divergences from my plans emerge.

Wow, had no idea you wrote a western once. Very cool how you're able to branch out into other genres like that! And even though I'm not a pantser anymore, it still takes me ages sometimes to figure out the proper end while plotting, so I know how amazing it feels for things to finally come together. Can't wait to reach the final Totem book to see how everything falls into place there!

Click, Read, Enjoy.

About Me

I'm a writer, blogger, and geek mom. I write paranormal romance and urban fantasy. I love a dark and gritty story. I have four degrees which don't help at all with motherhood, but make me a great Jeopardy player. Member of S.C.I.F.I. and Untethered Realms.